The best load for self-defense is, the load you have with you when you need it most. Basically, science has taught me that with handgun defensive loads, the best results are usually obtained using lighter bullets with hotter loads. . . . So, to recap, basically look for hotter loads with lighter bullets.
I would add also that the best load is the one that functions first time every time.It does not matter how hot it is, how much it expands etc if it malfunctions when you need it it is useless.
On a side note I've been watching The First 48 and Crime 360 a lot lately and you'd be suprise how many people are killed with a FMJ 380.
Just to add fuel to the fire, how many are killed isn't nearly as important as how fast they were stoppedIt kinda sucks when your (well armed) target has 5 minutes to have his way with you AFTER you have fatally wounded him.
Just to add fuel to the fire, how many are killed isn't nearly as important as how fast they were stoppedIt kinda sucks when your (well armed) target has 5 minutes to have his way with you AFTER you have fatally wounded him.
On a side note, in the early 1900s, the US Military facing a drugged up foe (sound like something you might face?), detemined a .45 was required to stop them. My undereducated lay opinion is use the biggest gun you can carry and use proficiently. The bigger the bullet, the bigger the wound channel, and the greater the stoppping power is my understanding.